Description

Ratana Sutta

Recital of avert Evil Forces

The Buddha uttered the following powerful and effective Sutta (discourse) on His visit to the epidemic-stricken township of Vesali to bless victims to protect them from famine, sickness, evil spirits and other kinds of misfortune.

During the Buddha's time, many people were benefited and misfortunes were averted following the recital of the Ratana Sutta. This Sutta also explains the highest qualities of the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha by giving details of the Triple Gem in its various facets. At the end of every stanza the Buddha blessed everyone saying "By this truth may all beings be happy and blissful. "

Sakka, the King requested the other sangha, who had assembled to hear this discourse, to radiate their loving-kindness towards human beings, and to protect those who remember them and fulfill their religious obligations.

After hearing this Sutta, even Sakka the King, became delighted and paid homage to the Triple Gem by uttering the last three verses.

All devotees are strongly urged to recite this Sutta daily, as well as during illness or at other times when they are disturbed. Occasionally, monks should be invited to their homes to chant this and other important Suttas.

- Whatever treasure there be,
either here or in the world beyond,
or whatever precious jewel there be in the heavens; yet there is none comparable to the Accomplished One. In the Buddha is this precious jewel found. On account of this truth
May there be happiness!

The tranquil Sage of the Sakyas realized cessation, freedom from passion, immortality, excellence. There is nothing comparable to this Dhamma (universal law or order). In the Dhamma is this precious jewel found. On account of this truth May there be happiness!

-- That pure path the Supreme Buddha praised is described as 'concentration without interruption'. There is nothing like that concentration. In the Dhamma is this precious jewel found. On account of this truth. May there be happiness!

Those Eight Individuals, praised by the virtuous, they constitute four pairs. They, worthy of offerings, are the disciples of the Enlightened One, Gifts given to these yield abundant fruit. In the Sangha is this precious jewel found. On account of this truth. May there be happiness!

-- Just as a firm post sunk in the earth cannot be shaken by the four winds; I say that a good person who thoroughly perceives the Noble Truths is similar to that. In the Sangha is this precious jewel found. On account of this truth

-- Just as a firm post sunk in the earth cannot be shaken by the four winds; I say that a good person who thoroughly perceives the Noble Truths is similar to that. In the Sangha is this precious jewel found. On account of this truth

-- Those who clearly understand the Noble Truths, well taught by Him who has absolute knowledge, do not undergo an eighth birth, no matter how exceedingly heedless they may be. In the Sangha is this precious jewel found. On account of this truth May there be happiness!

-- Just like a forest is flowered at the top, in the first month of the summer season, so has the Sublime Doctrine that leads to Nibbana been taught for the Highest Good. In the Buddha is this precious jewel found. On account of this truth May there be happiness!

-- The unrivalled Excellent One, the Knower, the Giver, the Bringer of the Excellent has expounded the excellent Doctrine. In the Buddha is this precious jewel found. On account of this truth May there be happiness!

--- Their past is extinct, a fresh becoming there is not, their minds are not attached to a future birth, their desires grow not; those wise ones go out even as this lamp. In the Sangha is this precious jewel found. On account of this truth May there be happiness!

--- By the firm determination of this truth, May I be free from suffering. By the firm determination of this truth, May I be free from fear. By the firm determination of this truth, May I be free from illness